Nick Spencer

The delicate balance between God and Caesar in modern Britain

In times of crisis politicians frequently turn to the established church to boost the nation’s morale

Sir Stafford Cripps, a devout Anglican, in prayer after a sermon on ‘the right use of victory, 1945. Credit: Getty Images
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  • The Church of England and British Politics since 1900

    Edited by Tom Rodger, Philip Williamson and Matthew Grimley

    Boydell & Brewer, pp. 340, £70

At a well-reported political meeting at London’s Queen’s Hall during the first world war the preacher and suffragette Maude Royden used a phrase that would pass into history. ‘The Church shall go forward along the path of progress,’ she argued hopefully, ‘and be no longer satisfied to represent the Conservative party at prayer.’

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